Choosing a Pet

When a family decides to adopt a pet, it is a big commitment. First, several factors must be considered: time, space, and money. It is important that the family/individual first make sure they are ready for a pet. Do you have enough time to spend with this animal? Are you prepared to care for the animal for its entire lifetime? Do you have enough room for the animal? Can you afford the animal?

There are many animals that make wonderful pets. Cats, dogs, birds, hamsters, mice, rabbits, gerbils, fish, and even horses are fairly common pets in the United States today. Other animals like spiders, ferrets, snakes, and lizards are increasing in popularity. Some people even choose more exotic animals like monkeys, lions, crocodiles, and bears.  Whatever animal you choose, you should prepare to properly care for it for its entire lifetime.  Adopting a pet is a commitment that you make to another living creature. It is cruel to bring an animal home and dispose of it when you get bored. Each animal comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks. 

Carefully consider where you live, how much time you spend at home, what you know about your future, and how much money you have to spend. Some living arrangements are not suitable for some pets. For example, an apartment may not be a good home for a large dog. Some places do not allow certain pets. Make sure that your city and community allow the pet you want before you set your heart on it. (Some cities do not allow certain exotic pets or even some breeds of dog.) Another factor that some people overlook is allergies. You should try to make sure that you are not allergic to an animal before you adopt it.  No one can be sure what the future will bring, but if you know that you are moving to a place where you can not take a pet in a year, you probably should not get one right now.

Cost involved in owning a pet is often overlooked by excited prospective pet owners. They look at animals and gag when the animal shelter wants $75 for a dog or the pet store asks $400. What prospective pet owners must realize is that the initial cost of buying a pet is merely the beginning. Pets require food, veterinary care, and various equipment. If you are going to bring home a puppy, for example, you will probably need a crate, a leash, food, a dish, a collar, vaccinations, and yearly veterinary visits.

A decision that is as important as what type of pet you choose is where you get it. Breeding animals, when done correctly, does not turn a profit. However, many people will cut enough corners to make it make money. Often pet stores are the worst places to purchase a pet. Regardless of the type of animal you chose, make sure you know how and where it was bred. If possible, go to the site where the animal was bred and meet the parents. If the same people breed eighteen types of dog, you should probably move on. If you have never heard of a puppy mill, do some research before you go to the store. A good place to start your search is your local veterinarian. He or she can probably send you in the right direction.

Dogs: Dogs are probably the most common pet in the United States, and probably the world. Dogs love humans. They depend on their owners for food, shelter, healthcare, grooming, and most importantly love.  Having a puppy in the home is somewhat like bringing home a new baby. They require constant care when they first arrive. Be prepared to clean up poop and be up during the night. Of course, puppies usually outgrow these behaviors much faster than children do. If you chose a dog for a pet, you should be prepared to spend the next ten to twenty years of your life with this companion. After puppyhood, dogs need to be fed twice a day. They also need regular exercise and love. If you do not have several hours a day to spend with your pet, a dog may not be best for you.  All puppies are cute, but the dog will be grown in about a year so make sure you like the adult variety too. As far as cost, remember that dogs need to visit the vet once a year if they are healthy. If they get sick or hurt, they will need to go even more. Oh, and make sure you close the closet door, shoes make expensive chew toys. There are many, many different breeds of dog to choose from, and pound puppies can make great pets too. Look at size (will it fit in your purse, will it have to run beside the car), hair type and length (do they need to be brushed daily, do they shed), living requirements (some dogs need to be outside and some have to be inside, some can??t tolerate hot summers and others cold winters), and family fit (some dogs do not do well with children).  Once you think you know what you want, talk to vets, neighbors, friends, or join a forum and make sure. Find a good breeder and wait for your new family member.

Cats: Cats are probably the second most popular pet. Many of the concerns one must consider when deciding on a dog are the same for a cat. They need vet visits, get sick, cause allergy problems, shed, are not allowed in certain rental properties, etc. They can also be just as rewarding as dogs. Cats do not require as much attention and might be a better pick for someone who is away from home a lot. However, if a cat does not get enough attention, it will claw at all of your furniture. Cats require daily feeding and frequent litter changes. There is not quite as much to purchase for a cat, but a good scratching post and a few toys are nice. You will need a litter box, dishes, and food. Be careful with cats around small children. It is not uncommon for a cat to seriously hurt a small child. (Of course, caution should be taken with small children around any pet.) It is also good to know that pregnant or nursing mothers should not handle cat litter. Most people do not purchase pure bred cats, however there are several beautiful breeds.

Fish: Fish are one of the most popular small, low maintenance pets. They eat small pinches of fish food, which can be purchased inexpensively at pet stores or even grocery stores. They do not visit the vet or need accessories like leashes or scratching posts. Fish live in a tank and can cost whatever you want to put in. You need about one gallon of water per inch of fish for most fresh water tanks. You need about ten gallons of water for the same amount of fish in a salt water tank. If you get a fish tank, you will need gravel, a filter, a lid, and possibly a bubble wand and heater. After the initial purchase, you will not have to spend much on the upkeep of a freshwater tank. A saltwater tank is more difficult and more expensive, but still can be very affordable. If you are really tight on cash and space, a beta will live about three years if properly cared for in less than a gallon without even having a filter.

Mice, Rats, Gerbils, Hamsters, etc.: Small rodents can make great pets for families that do not have the space for dogs or cats. They will live in an aquarium sized habitat all of their lives. You probably want to purchase a habitat designed for the animal that you chose. All of the animals in this category are escape artist and will disappear if they are not properly caged. Other expenses include: bedding, food, exercise ball and/or wheel, etc.  These animals also require some vet care, but not what dogs and cats do. Many people like to get a pet like one of these for their small children because the animal is so small. Please be aware that these animals need fresh food and water daily, have cages that must be cleaned often, and will bite if they are scared. They may not be appropriate for a child unless the parent is planning to be very active in helping with the care. However, these are smart animals and can be lots of fun when properly cared for. Their lifespan varies from two or three years to eight to ten depending on the species.

Rabbits: Rabbits require much the same care as small rodents. They are not as difficult to contain as they are larger and do not try to escape as readily. However, they do need a larger cage and exercise. They must be fed daily and the cage must be cleaned daily or it will stink. Rabbits are adorable pets, but remember that they have claws and can scratch. Also keep in mind that while Easter rabbits are nice, they live for about ten years so, make sure you are in for the long haul. Rabbits can be housed in hutches outside, but they are healthier if they kept inside.

Birds: Birds make wonderful pets for people who take the time to give them the proper care. Their needs, cost, and life span vary greatly depending on the type of bird you choose. If you are looking for a ??beginner?? bird, a parakeet can be fun and reasonably priced.  These birds can even learn to talk a little. For a bird, you will need a cage and some bid toys. They require daily food and fresh water. Also note that you will probably need to clean the cage and vacuum or sweep under the cage each day. Birds can be a bit messy.

Snakes: With a huge variety of size, coloration, and believe it or not diet; snakes are a fringe pet that have a very dedicated following. Snakes tend to be aggressive, not very capable of repaying love or affection input by an owner. For the most part snakes are very similar to fish; best when observed, not when handled. Most snakes can be handled very easily provided they are done so with consistency. If they only time you open their cage is to throw food in, very soon they will begin to associate anything that comes in with food. Species of snake to be adopted in to the family is also extremely important. Many people will sell poisonous snakes, or ??hots?? without making properly sure that the buyer knows what they are buying, or anything about proper procedures for handling and care. No doubt, venomous snakes really shouldn??t be in the home. Also, snake species goes far in determining full size of the animal. Some snakes a quite cute at their initial size of 24?? and tiny food requirements. Take into account a growth rate of up to four FEET per year for a select few species, and a full-grown size of well over 20 (in some cases over 30!!) feet, and you have a full-fledged titan in your home.

Having snakes for pets can be rewarding, fun, and just breath-takingly beautiful.  With a consistently executed knowledge of proper care combined with appropriate species selection, they can be much safer than either dogs or cats. Be prepared to feed mice and rats (live or dead depending on what you personally believe correct combined with what the animal will eat), clean cages, check heat lamps and rocks for appropriate temperatures (snakes love it warm but only to a point), and of course enclosure security. Snakes are escape artists. If their head can go through a space, their body will follow. Be properly respectful, properly caring, and your pet snake will provide many years of fascination.

Lizards: With care similar to snakes, lizards are a wonderful alternative to their legless cousins. Their care is usually a bit more forgiving. Lizards are also much easier to handle, with some exceptions, should they get aggressive. Much more intelligent than snakes, lizards are also much more active. This is a pet that, given proper care and love, be much more than the living painting in the enclosure that a snake is. Ranging in size form the Marine Iguana (up to eight feet and twenty or more pounds) to the smallest geckos and anoles, lizards can either be restful and contemplative or active and bustling, depending mostly upon their breed. Different breeds can require very different circumstances for best health and enjoyment of life. However, they all will require heat sources, along with vitamin supplements to their food; as well as sources of ultraviolet radiation to help re-create their natural habitat. Enclosures tend to run toward the aquarium, with various custom enclosures available from a variety of sources. Building your own enclosure to reflect your own home is a very creative option.